Letters to the editor Tuesday

Could it be that the strategy of the new administration at Savannah State University is to replace the old supporters and alumni with new fans, and supporters?

Maybe this administration feels that the old supporters aren't doing enough to take the university into the new millennium. Perhaps the new leaders feel that they need new fans and supporters that may do more for the school.

I can't be sure what their plan is, but I am sure they don't value any input from the existing alumni, and community supporters. The same people who have supported this school for decades through good and bad times.

Take Homecoming for example; last year they had 44 RV spots sold by the first week in September; this year they have only sold 10. They moved the RV's from the traditional locations to where they wanted them to be. Last year, they tried to move the RV spots after everyone had paid for the original spots a week before Homecoming. They backed off when they learned that the group had a news conference scheduled for noon the Monday before Homecoming to expose them to the public.

My best friend, and his family who live in Atlanta hasn't missed a Homecoming in over 30 years --- and who with me, and some more of our friends have shared the same two RV spots for 10 years --- said he wasn't coming down for Homecoming.

He even said that he wouldn't be coming back if things don't go back to the way they were.

I can only hope that this administration realizes the harm it is doing to the school that we love, and the negative effect it is having on their supporters.

ANTHONY D. HAMPTON

Savannah

End drug war; fund drug treatment

The drug war has done little other than turn the land of the free into the world's biggest jailer. ("America's Drug War: Keep putting on the heat," Oct. 29, Nadra Enzi)

If harsh penalties deterred illegal drug use, the elusive goal of a "drug-free" America would have been achieved decades ago.

Instead of adding to what is already the highest incarceration rate in the world, we should be funding cost-effective drug treatment. The drug war is a cure worse than the disease.

Drug prohibition finances organized crime at home and terrorism abroad, which is then used to justify increased drug war spending. It's time to end this madness. Thanks to public education, tobacco use has declined considerably. Apparently mandatory minimum prison sentences, civil asset forfeiture, random drug testing and racial profiling are not necessarily the most cost-effective ways to discourage unhealthy choices.

ROBERT SHARPE

Policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington

Media in love with socialism

The media is not so much in love with Obama as they are with socialism. I don't get it. Under socialism, the government will totally control the media, because of media's influential power.

It is also a given, there is no individual freedom in socialism --- there is not suppose to be.

It is like growing up under the control of your mother and father, enrolled in primary education, belonging to a religious institution, being a member of a fraternity.

In a socialistic setting, individuals find themselves in a position of doing what they are told, hopefully in a loving setting.

Fraternal socialism gives children and the willing opportunity for guidance. After reaching the age of maturity, one can opt out of family, opting out is also true of religion, fraternities and after graduating from school.

Individuals cannot opt out of freedomless socialism in government.

There are three kinds of Government Socialists:

1. Voters who have no clue. They are dangerous because they can be selfishly manipulated by being offered "something for nothing."

2. Socialist thinkers who want to help others. They perceive themselves as strong and everyone else is weak. They are dangerous because their motivation is selfish narcissism.

3. Elitist's who want total government control over others.

They are dangerous because their combination of the above two is based on pure selfish evil.

Freedom in enterprise and capital creates equal opportunity for everyone. A free enterprise society --- such as the United States --- is only successful when its citizens exercise self discipline and a willingness to share their capital.

America's freedom in disciplined opportunity, shared with others, is boundless.

EDWARD L. THEBO

Savannah

Savannah needs more racing

I wanted to thank the promoters who put on the racing event on Hutchinson Island Oct. 31. The race track on Hutchinson Island should be utilized more for racing and track days for both cars and motorcycles to raise money for the county.

There are many area car clubs and motorcyclists who could benefit from the safety training and skill enhancement that track days provide. Roebling Road, just over the county line in Effingham, stays booked up almost year round. It has a good facility, but has no elevation changes like the Hutchinson Island track.

In addition to the revenue for those paying to rent the track, you could add the revenue from meals and lodging in local restaurants and hotels for those who don't live in the area, but will attend the track days.

Roebling Road and similar tracks draw in riders and drivers from all over the U.S., and in some cases all over the world.

Just think what it would do for the local economy if you could get a sanctioned race in there a few days just after St. Patrick's Day.

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I couldn't disagree more. Why should people who live downtown be annoyed for days on end with the loud, unbearable, endless noise generated by that black-hole, money-pit racetrack on Hutchinson Island? The racket starts just after sunup and ends at dusk. This is all for the benefit of a handful of people who like this sort of thing. Let them go out into an un-populated area to make this foolish, never-ending noise. By the way, I doubt seriously the county will ever be able to raise money at this boondoggle track. As far as I know it is un-accredited, un-certified, and not laid out correctly for many organized racing associations. Who would pay to waste time over there listening to this eternal cacaphony of howling engines? Let's get rid of it and put a permanent end to this unceasing, roaring noise it generates throughout the Historic District.